Collar locating and tool operating device



Oct. 14, 1952 c. E. WHITNEY COLLAR LOCATING AND TOOL OPERATING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 25, 1948 CLA/RE BY Mew/MMM gno/@NEX c. E. WHITNEY COLLAR LOCATING AND Toor. OPERATING n Olct. 14, 1952 EVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 25, 1948 INVENToR. C24/es MHT/Vex BY A Oct. 14, 1952 c. E. WHITNEY A COLLAR LOCATING AND TOOL OPERATING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 23, 1948 INVENTOR. W//T/ve-Y,

V(2A/19E Patented Oct. 14, 1 952 Claire E. Whitney, Houston, Tex., assignor to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Vernon, Calif., a corporation of California Application April 23, 1948, Serial No. 22,885

- "The present invention relates to wel1 apparatus and, more particularly to apparatus for performing functions or operations in Well casing, liners and similar conduits locatedl in well bores.

Well conduits, such as casing strings, are usually composed of a plurality of sections coupled vtogether byy collars. At each coupling point, there is a space between the ends of adjacent casing sections. It is not desirable to operate certain well tools in the casings adjacent these,

spaces, since they might interfere with the proper functioning of the tools. As an example, the setting of a well packer across a casing coupling or collar space might prevent proper sealing of its packing element against the casing, with resultant leakage. The packer should be set preferably in the casing above or below the collar space.

The depth at which one type of sub-surface Well equipment is to be operated musi; sometimes be related tothe depth at which a prior operation, by other well equipment, had been performed.

vReliance cannot be placed` too strongly upon measurementsof the length of running-in string as it is lowered in the hole, because of several variable factors, including the use of different.

running-in'strings for different tools, stretch of the particular strings, their expansion 0r contraction as the result of well temperature, etc.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for furnishing a definite reference point in the Well casing string by accurately locating a collar or coupling space,`

to which the setting or operating depths of sub-` surface well equipment can be related.

Another object oi the invention is to insure against setting or operating sub-surface well tools at the casing coupling spaces.

Another object of the invention is to provide for the denite location of a casing coupling space at any selected region along the length of the casing string.

A further object; of the invention is to utilize a casing coupling space, or equivalent recess, in eiecting the operation of sub-surface well Lap-- paratus.

A further object of the invention is to utilize a casing coupling space, Without interfering with the operation of well equipment in the casing, and without preventing removal of the runningin string to the top of the Well bore.

l and forming part of 1o claims. (C1. 16s-1) the present specification. They will now be described indetaiL'illustrating the general principles of the invention; but itis to be'understood that this detailed descriptionis not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope claims.

of this invention is best 'dened by the appended i f Referring 'to the drawings: l y

, Figure 1 'is a longitudinal view-partly in ele'.

' ment embodyingthe invention located in a string This invention possesses many other advan tages, and has other objects which may be m'ade more clearly apparent from a consideration of several forms in which it isembodied. These forms are shown in the drawings accompanying of casing; l Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the collar locating device shown in Fig. l, disclosed in its collar locating position. l

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, with the parts in another operating position; y

Fig. 4 is a cross-section ytaken along the lline 4-4 onFigi2; I

tion, looking in thedirection of the arrows 5l on Fig. '3, disclosing the manner of securing alocating spring on its mounting sleeve; y Y,

Fig. 6 is a llongitudinal sectionthrough another lform of Well casing and collar locating device,

certain parts being shown in retracted position; Fig. 7 is a View similar to Fig. 6, with theparts occupying another relative position; y Y, Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section throughl a well casing containing another embodiment of the invention; and v Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, with the parts in another operative position.

As disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, it is desired to definitely locate acollar space A in a casing string B, in order that a well packer C can be set in packed-off condition vbelow thisspace. The well packer C is run in they well casing on a tubular string D, which carries the collar locating apparatus E on it immediately, or at a predetermined distance above, the well packer C.

As is well known, the casing string B includes a plurality of casing sections I0, Il threadedly secured in longitudinally spaced relationfby .fa collar or coupling l2. The collar l2 and thead'- jacent ends I3, I4 of the upper andlower casing sections provide a circular internal groove', recess or space A. The lower end I3 of the kupper casing section I0 yprovides a shoulder, which can be utilized in deiinitely locating the coupling recess or space A. l

The particular tool secured to the lower end of the tubing string D is disclosed as awell packer C, Awhich can be of any desired type- As shown in the drawings, the packer includes upper and vation and partly in section, disclosing wellequip- Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side felevailower slips I5, I6 and associated expanders l1, I8 for moving the slips V'outwardly into firm anchoring engagement with the casing wall. A packing element I9 is also adapted to be expanded outleaf springs disposed circumferentially around Vthe tubing, are secured to aA sleeve '22 adapted for slidable movement along the exterior of the tubing nipple 20. The lower portion 23 of each spring is received within a longitudinal groove .2,4 in the lsleevef22 (see Fig. 5), movement of the spring 'relative to rthe sleeve .being prevented by a lug or projection 25 extending from one side wallf'ofthe groove 24 into a notch or recess 26 formed inthe spring 2|.

The springs'zl are preventedfrom transverse movement outward of the sleeve -22 by 'a retaining and'retracting sleeve'2l"disposed over the springsleeve 22 andthe 'springs 2| themselves'.V This retaining sleevel extendsv downwardly along the Ytubing nipple 20 a substantial distance below thee'nd of the spring sleeve 22. Itslower'end 'is formed as a head 28 slidably mounted onjthe tubing lnipple 20, while the por.- tion of thesleeveabove the head is spaced from thenipple 20 to form an elongate annularv space 2S in which the spring sleeve`22 is received, and in which it'may'm'ovei relatively in a downward direction.V e a 'f Asstatedabove, the retainer sleeve 21 prevents the springs 2|*from becoming disassembled from'their mountin'gsleeve 22. The upper portions of the springs yare flared outwardly and tendfinherently,Y when unconned, to expand outwardly to adiametergreater-than the inside diameter of the casing 'stringBf Thatis, the uppe'r'- ends 'ci the V springs tend inherently to move outwardly-into the-coupling space A when disposed in transverse alignment therewith. The

ability of these springs 2| vto expand outwardly l to the extent indicated is permitted initially by allowing their upper portions 30 to project upwardly from the vretainer sleeve 21 vto a sufcient extent;l The amount of' such projection is assured initiallyby releasably 'attaching the sleeves 22,` 21 together, as by use of frangible pins or shearfscrewsf disposed below the lower ends ofthe springs`2|L y y l'Ihe'collar locator Eis mounted on the nipple 20,' with its head '28 engaging a collar or threaded box 32 on the tubingstring below the nipple (Fig.- l).. The fshear screws 3| are intact, which permits theleatsp'rings 2| to project. upwardly out of the retainer sleeve 2 to .their maximum extenti .Upward movement 'of the sleeves along thev tubing nipple 20 may be prevented by a tapered stop member'SS whose outer surfacell converges in a'downward direction. 'Ihis stop vmember is-secured to the tubing nipple V2|! by one or more headless screws 35, and may be positionedadjacent the upper end of the'sleeve 22 when the head 28 is disposedadjacent the box 32. TheY tapered portion 34 of the stop member can" also be effective in engaging the upper parts Sii of the springs 2| and urging them 4 outwardly against the wall of the well casing B. With the parts assembled as disclosed in Figs. l and 2, the apparatus is lowered in the well casing on the tubular running-in string D until the appropriate setting depth for the packer C is reached immediately below a. casing collar, such as the4 collar |2. During. ysuch lowering movement, the upper ends of the leaf springs 2| ride or slide along the casing wall and freely over the coupling spaces defined by adjacent casingvsections. After reaching a position below one of the casing collars, with the well packer C disposedin the casing section below this collar,

the tubing string D is elevated, the collar locatorv also'beingyelevated by the engagement of the'box or. stop 32` with the head 28. Such upward movement slides the spring 2i along the wall of the lower casing section H, until their free upper ends reach the collar space A. Those ends expandinherentlyinto thisspace A .and engage thel lower end i3 of the uppercasing section *v The operator at 'the top of the .well vloorejis advisedl of the engagement `of the.v springs V2| withth'elowe'r end ltwof the upper'casing section I9, and of the location ofthe collar space A, by the'resistancewhich the springs oiierfto further upward movement. of the tubing .string D.' yl-Ie can then make a suitable marking onthe tubing string D above the usual, rotary table of the depth of the collar space.' f

The shear screws 3| havea predetermined shear value. Accordingly, an Vur'iward strain of.

sufficient force can be taken on the tubing string D, the force being transmitted through the collar 32 to the retainersleeve 21, shearingpftlie screws `3| and moving theretainer sleeve 2 up; wardly along the spring'sleeve 22 and the' springs 2| themselves. Itis evident that vthe latter are incapable rof moving upwardly by virtue of en gagement of the springs with'the shoulder' orend i3 of the casing'section le.. This upwardfmovement ofthe retainer'slecveuZ causes'the latter to force the springs 2l'v inwardly until they khave been retracted from engagement vwith the'casing end I3 and from the collar Aspace or recess A (Fig. 3). The tubing string can now be moved freelygu'pwardly without restraint 'by the locator members 2|.l Movement of rthe retainer sleeve 2'| upwardly along the spring sleeve 22, or the relative movement of the spring sleeve downwardly within' the annular space 29 between the retainer sleeve 2 and tubing nipple 20, can occur without interference by anyy fluid in the well casing, by providing a plurality of longitudinal slots it in the lower portion ofv theV retainer sleeve through which the casing fluid can flow freely.` i A The well packer C can now be vanchored vin packed-nii condition in the well casing in a normal and conventional manner. A fter the desired function has beenperfoirned with the well packer in' the well bore, the tubing string D may be rotat'edto detach it from the anchored `well packer, and the tubing string removed from the wellcasing without interference from the spring members 2|. In the event that one or more of the' spring membersl should yenter a coupling space? during its upward movement through the casing string B,vthe springs 'and their sleeve member 22 would be retracted automatically further into the retainer sleeve 2 and away from they casing wall.

A modied form of the invention is disclosed in Figs. 6 and 7. As has been stated above, the

retracted spring members 2l may catch-.upon

van upper coupling space during upwardv rhovement of the tubing string D therewithin. l In the form of invention shown in Figs..1 to l5,*inclusive, such occurrence would merely further retract the springs within the retainer sleeve 21. In:Figs. 6 and '7, the retraction could occur in a somewhat diiferent manner. f

'1. The springs 2|a are not fixed to their mountv Sing sleeve 22a, but instead,I have `their lower portions 23a` disposed within grooves 24a. thatv may extend the full length ofthe sleeve 22a. These springs 2|a are attached to their mountthese elements'.y being disposed within the gun body 42. A compressed,l vhelical spring 5|!` placed between the seat 48 and the upper end the lower ends of `latch levers 55 disposed. in

'ing sleeve by .shear screws 31 which have a much greater shearvalue than the screws 3| securing .the retainer sleeve 21 vandspring` sleeve 22a t0- gether initially. .string D is elevated, the spring members 2|7lv will expand outwardly into the collar space A and engage the lower end I3 of the casing section I0, .as before. The taking of a sunicient upward' strain on thetubing string D will shear .the screws r3| and cause `the retainer sleeve 21 .to retract the springs 2|a, as before (see Fig. 6).

. The `force required to z shear the screws 31 holding the springs to their mounting sleeve 22a isfsubstantially greater than the force required- 4to shear the other screws 3|, and, as a result,

the spring shear screws 31 will remain intact' during the` foregoing operation. However, if the springs are ynot further retracted within the retainer sleeve 21, upon the subsequent engagement by one of the partially retracted springs' 2|a, with a casing shoulder i3 in an upper part of the casing string B, the exertion of sufcient force will shear the screw 31 holding that particular spring to its sleeve 22a and Amove such spring relatively -downwardly within. its groove 24a,.causing the upper end of the retainer sleeve 21 to retract such spring to a greater extent from the casing (see Fig. 1). The tubing string- D can now continue lits upward movement within the well casing B without interference.

The apparatus described above can be used not only for-locating a coupling space A, or other recess in the casing string B, but Ialso for effecting operation of well equipment. By way of example, the collar, locator E shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is employed in firing a cartridge 38 and producing an explosion that can initiate the operation of other well equipment (not shown).

Accordingly, as the tubing the body slot 52y and pivotally mounted onpins 56 supported in the body. The upper armsf51 of the levers are urged in `an outward direction,

' to maintain the latch fingers 54 engaged under the ring pin hooks 53, by an expansible spring 58 whose opposite ends are received Awithin re;- c'esses 59 in the armsv 51. So long as the spring 58. holds the upper lever arms outwardly and the latc'h fingers 54 under the firing pin hooks .53, the firing pin 451s maintained inelevated position above the cartridge, hol-ding theiiring spring150 in `highly compressed condition.

The apparatus may be Alowered in the well bore on a running-in string, which may include a wire line W secured to av socket 60 threaded on the upper end of thegu'n body 42. 'I'he collar locator E, which may assume the specic form disclosed vin Figs. 1-to'511inclusive, is slidably mounted on the gun body 42 vand'soclret B0, the` lower head 28 of the retainer sleeve -21 resting upon the cylinder 40, and the lower end of the spring sleeve 22 being disposed .immediately above the upwardly and inwardly tapering surfaces 6| of the latch lever arms 51. .The

tapered stop 33 is secured tothe Wire line' socket 6|) yby the set `screws 35 (see Figs).

The apparatus is run in the well casing B,` with the latch rlevers holding the firing pin. 45 in elevated position against the compression spring.

their fullest extent. When the Yapproximate The cartridge 38 is contained within 4a gun barrel 39 inserted within the upper head end 4l of a cylinder in which a gaseous pressure may be developed for setting a bridge plug (not shown). Leakage between the barrel' vand head 40 is prevented by a suitable side sealf4| on the barrel engaging the wall of the head.

The barrel is threaded into a gun body 42 secured tothe upper end of the cylinder head 40. This body also contains a breechblo-ck or cap 43 threaded on to the upper end of 'the'barrel and having an inwardly directed flange `44 firmly clamping the cap of the cartridge 38 to the barrel 39.

The -cartridge 38 isl fired by a pin 45 whose tapered end 445 can enter a tapered hole 41 in the breechblock 43 to strike and indent the car- .tridge 38 to effect its firing. As indicated above,

firing of vthe cartridge can initiate certain other I desirable operations'in the well casing. The tapered lower end 46 of the ring pin extends downwardly from a ange or spring seat 4 8 integral withr the firing pinl shaft 43, all 0|.`

point in the well bore-has been reached at which the cartridge 38 is to be red and the welltool (not shown) operated, the wire line W isfmoved upwardly slowly until .the springs 2| expand outwardly into the rst collar space A they reach, which arrests further upward movement of the wire line W and the well-.apparatus attachedzto it. `.The operator at the top ofthe well boreiis:` thus advised of the location of the well collarizg;

A strain isthen taken on the wire line W,1Which is transmitted through the socket 30, ,gun'body 42 and cylinder 40 to the retainer sleeve 21, shearing the screws 3| and vmoving the gun body-42:

, forcing the upper arms 51 inwardly and the nand sleeve 21 upwardly to a slight extent relative to the spring sleeve 22.` vThe tapered surfacesl on the upper latchlever arms are. caused to ride upwardly alcng the lower end .of the sleeve'22,

gers 54 outwardly of the ring pin hooks 53, which releases the firing pin 45 *from the latches and allows'the spring 50 to shift thering pin downwardly in a rapid manner, indenting the cartridge 38 and effecting firing of the latter (Fig. 9).

The ring of the cartridge initiates certaink @operations in the well bore, such as the setting of. a well packersecured to the cylinder 40. This packer would be set in the casing section between the upper and lower collars threaded on it.

When the apparatus is ,to be removed fromdthe,

Vpling spaces themselves.

well casing, the wire line Wis moved upwardly,

which causes the retainer' sleeve 2T to shift lup along the springs 2| and spring sleeve. 22 to a further extent, retracting the upper portions of been described which definitely locates the desired coupling space in the well casing string, thereby providing a definite reference point for the setting or operating of the well equipment runin the well casing in conjunction withv the locating device. 'The same, or similar,v casing locating equipment can be utilized in the subsequent running of tools in the well casing. l Assur.- ance is, therefore, had against setting or operatingthe sub-surface apparatus at the casing cou- The locating device can-not only be used for the purpose of providing a definite reference point in the wellcasing for the operation of equipment, but it canalso `be used in actually operating such equipment. Moreover, despite its positive locating of the coupling space,'the locating apparatus is readilyy removable from the casing string whenever desired.A f. The inventor claims: Y

1. .Inapparatus adapted to be run inY a well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted tov be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member; leaf springs onsaid sle-eve expandible into said recess; .a retaining sleeve disposable over saidspringsl and :tiret-mentioned sleeve and movable :by said member `along'said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movement of said member relative to said first-mentioned sleeve; and yieldable means mounting said springs individually on said first-mentioned sleeve for longitudinal movement relative to each other and to said nrst-mentionedsleeve.

`2. In apparatus adapted to be run in a well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted to belowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member; leaf springs on said sleeve expandible into said recess; a retaining sleeve disposable over said springs and inst-mentioned sleeve and movable by said member along said springs to retract themirom'said recessupon longitudinal moverment of said member relative to said first-mentionedV sleeve; frangible means securing said .springs kto said inst-mentioned sleeve; and frangiblemeans securing said sleeves together.

In apparatus adapted to be run in a well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve onfsaid member; ,outwardly bowed leaf springs onfsaicl sleeve expandible into said recess; a retaining sleeve disposed snugly over said springs and'first-mentioned sleeve and movable along said springs to retract them from said recess uponY longitudinal movement of said member in. one direction; means preventing substantial 1ongitudinal movement of saidsprings with respect to 'one rof said sleeves; and means releasably securing said -sleeves directly together, said means being releasable' after entry of said springs insaid recess. f y

Y 4. Inapparatus adaptedto be run in a well casing having Aa recess therein: a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member; outwardly bowed leaf springs casing having a recess therein:

onsaid sleeve expandible into said recess; 'means on said member engageable with said springsto urge them outwardly; a retaining sleeve disposed over said springs and Erst-mentioned sleeve and movable alongA said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movevment of said member in one direction; means preventing substantial longitudinal movement of said springs with respect to one of saidv sleeves; and means 1- releasably securing said sleeves together, said-releasable means being releasable after entry of said springs in said recess.

In apparatus adapted to be run in a well a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member; outwardly bowed leaf springs on said sleeve expandible 'into said recess; a

retaining sleeve disposed snugly over said springs and inst-mentioned sleeve and movable along said springs tov retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movement of said member in one direction; means preventing'substantial longitudinal movement of said springs with respect to one of said sleeves; and vlrangible means directly securing said sleeves together to prevent initially their relative longitudinal movement. l 6.'In apparatus adapted to be run in a well casing having a recessv therein: a member adapted to be lowered ,in said casing; a sleeve on said memberv having circumierentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves; outwardly bowed leaf springs in said grooves and expandible into said recess; a retaining sleeve disposed snugly over said mst-mentioned sleeve, grooves and springs and movable along said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movement of said member in one direction; means preventing substantial longitudinal movement of said springs with respect to one of said sleeves; and means releasably securing said sleeves together to initially prevent such movement of the retaining sleeve along the springs. '7. In apparatus adapted to be run in a well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a Sleeve on said member having c'rcumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves; outwardly bowed leaf springsin said grooves and expandible into said recess; means securing said springs to said sleeve; a retaining sleeve disposed snugly over said first-mentioned sleeve, grooves and springs and movable along said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movement of said member in one directiomand means releasably securing said sleeves together to initially vprevent such movement of the retaining sleeve along the springs. n vi?. In apparatus adapted to be run in a well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member having circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves; outwardly bowed leaf springs in said grooves and expandible into said recess; rangible means releasably securing said springs individually to said sleeve; a, retaining sleeve disposed over said first-mentioned sleeve, grooves andsprings and movable along said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal movement of said mem- I adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member having circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves; outwardly bowed leaf springs in said grooves and expandible into said recess; a retaining sleeve disposed over said first-mentioned sleeve, grooves and springsand movable along said springs to retract them from said recess upon longitudinal. movey ment of said member inl one direction; means preventing substantial longitudinal movement of said springs with respect to one of said sleeves; and frangible means releasably securing said sleeves together to initially prevent such movement of the retaining sleeve along the springs.

10. In apparatus adapted to be run in a `well casing having a recess therein: a member adapted to be lowered in said casing; a sleeve on said member having circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves; outwardly bowed leaf springs in said grooves and expandible into said recess; frangible means releasably securing said springs individually to said sleeve;

l y a retaining sleeve disposed over said first-men` tioned sleeve, grooves and springs and-movable along said springs to retract them from said' recess upon longitudinal movement of said member in one direction; and frangible means releasably securing said sleeves together to initially prevent such movement of the'retaining sleeve along the springs; said last-mentioned frangible means having a combined shear value substantially less than the combined shear value of said first-mentioned frangible means. Y

CLAIRE EL WHITNEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent: y

UNITED STATES PATENT Number Name v Date 1,835,377A Clark et al ,Dec. 8, 1931 2,199,020 Barrett et al. 1e-- Apr. 30, 1940 2,392,244 Hooser Jan. 1, 1946` 2,401,119 Taylor May 28, 1946 

